How does a nurse update the Home Medications List during admission?

The process of updating the Home Medications List during a patient's admission is crucial for ensuring continuity of care and medication safety. The correct approach involves the nurse updating the list by documenting the medications the patient is currently taking, along with the last doses taken. This comprehensive assessment allows the healthcare team to have an accurate record of the patient's medication history, which is essential for prescribing new medications or making changes to existing treatments.

By including both the medications and the last doses, the nurse ensures that all relevant information is captured, which aids in avoiding medication errors and duplications. This also facilitates effective communication among healthcare providers, so everyone involved in the patient's care can access the most current and relevant information about the patient's medication regimen. Recognizing the importance of compiling a complete and accurate list is a fundamental responsibility of nursing during the admission process.

In contrast, the other options do not encompass the thoroughness required for medication reconciliation during admission. For instance, relying solely on the physician or reviewing only prescribed medications would overlook potentially significant information about the patient's ongoing medications and how they align with the current treatment plan. Consulting with the patient without updating the list would similarly miss the necessity of formal documentation and may lead to incomplete records.